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Since joining Miami City Ballet during its start-up years in 1987, Iliana Lopez and Franklin Gamero have been two of the Company's most revered and beloved performers. After 16 distinguished years as the leading principal dancers with Miami City Ballet, the couple is announcing their retirement following the upcoming 2003-2004 season.

"Iliana and Franklin are part of the heart and soul, as well as an indelible part of the history, of Miami City Ballet," said Edward Villella, Founding Artistic Director of Miami City Ballet. "They have literally led the way from the Company's early days to what it has become - one of the finest classical ballet companies in America - today. They have danced almost every major role in the Company's extensive repertory, served as role models and sources of inspiration to scores of young dancers in the Company and enchanted audiences in Florida, the US and abroad, with their bravura technique and sensitive artistry. It has been a profound pleasure for me to work with them and to experience the expansiveness of spirit that they brought to Miami City Ballet."

Lopez and Gamero are married. They have danced many famous roles together including "Swan Lake", "Giselle", "Tschaikovsky Pas De Deux", "Rubies" and "Diamonds" from "Jewels", "Prodigal Son", among others. They both trained with Nina Nikanorova and danced with the Cleveland Ballet. They have performed extensively as guest artists and participated in prestigious festivals including the 20th Anniversary Gala for Wolf Trap and the Vail International Dance Festival. Both native Venezuelans, Lopez and Gamero received the 2000 National Medal for the Arts "Arturo Michelena" in Venezuela for outstanding contribution to the arts.